Novelty device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to device having a desired shape comprising an assembly of panels and wherein each panel carries information associated with the shape of the object. The device includes: a frame, and one or more panels that are engageable with said frame, wherein the device has a shape representative of a pre-determined object associated with a theme, and wherein at least one panel depicts selected information associated with the theme. Alternatively, the device includes three or more panels that are directly engageable with each other, wherein the device has a shape representative of a pre-determined object associated with a theme, and wherein at least one panel depicts selected information associated with the theme.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/917,850, filed on Aug. 13, 2004, expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an object of a desired shape comprising an assembly of panels and wherein each panel carries information associated with the shape of the object.

BACKGROUND

Items, including novelty items, that are associated with a particular sport or other theme, are always very popular. This is especially true where the item is associated with a particular sports team or player, thereby allowing an individual to collect the items to form sets. For example, player cards, which generally comprise a picture of a known sports figure, often in conjunction with statistical information relating to the player's achievements, are very popular. This is because individuals can collect the cards of their favorite, or popular players. They can also collect the cards to form sets of favorite, or famous, sports teams.

Novelty items associated with a sport or theme are also popular. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,811 teaches a picture frame comprising two shells. One shell forms the picture frame, while the second shell is concave and is shaped to depict a theme. For example, the outer surface of the shells can be made to depict the outer surface of a baseball, and the inside surface of the second shell made to depict a baseball stadium.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that is shaped to represent a theme, wherein the components are interchangeable allowing people to collect the individual components, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention provides a device including: a frame, and one or more panels that are engageable with said frame, wherein the device has a shape representative of a pre-determined object associated with a theme, and wherein at least one panel depicts selected information associated with the theme.

Preferably, the frame is of a predetermined shape.

Preferably, the frame comprises a plurality of interconnecting elements.

The present invention also provides a device including three or more panels that are engageable with each other, wherein the device has a shape representative of a predetermined object associated with a theme, and wherein at least one panel depicts selected information associated with the theme.

The present invention provides a panel for a device as defined above, wherein said panel is of a defined shape having a plurality of sides, wherein each side is adapted to engage with a side of an adjacent panel.

Preferably, each edge of said panel includes one or more protrusions or one or more recesses to engage with one or more complementary shaped recesses or projections on an adjacent panel. Preferably said defined shape of said panel is hexagonal or pentagonal.

In one aspect the theme of the device is associated with a sport. The shape may be that of a sports ball. More preferably the shape may be selected from any one of the following: soccer ball, rugby union ball, rugby league ball, baseball, basketball, cricket ball, golf ball, hockey ball, netball, volley ball, or American football ball or the like.

In another aspect of the invention the information presented on the panels is selected from one or more of a photograph, statistical information, or a figurine. In the case of a figurine, the figurine is permanently, or reversibly attached to the panel.

Preferably, the information presented on the panel is fictional or non-fictional or combinations thereof. More preferably, the information presented on the panels relates to individual sporting personalities.

In a further aspect of the invention, the theme may be non-sports related. In yet a further aspect of the invention, the theme is purely fictional and provides for a child's toy.

In another aspect of the invention, the elements are adapted to be associated with the theme. Preferably, the theme is associated with motorsport and the elements are adapted to form the chassis of a toy motorcar.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, the panels include letters, words, numbers colors or shapes, and the device comprises a pre-school educational toy.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, the device provides for a story, wherein different aspects of the story may be provided on different panels.

The invention also provides a panel adapted to assemble a device according to the present invention.

The invention also provides a frame adapted to assemble a device according to the present invention.

The invention also provides for an element adapted to assemble a frame for use in a device according to the present invention.

The invention also provides for a kit comprising one or more elements and/or one or more panels for use in assembling a device according to the present invention. Preferably, the kit includes at least one panel and one element. More preferably, the kit includes enough members and panels to assemble a device according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

The invention will now be explained by way of example with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an element;

FIG. 2 shows a plan of the underside of an element;

FIG. 3 shows a completed frame;

FIG. 4 shows a pentagon panel;

FIG. 5 shows the underside of a pentagon panel;

FIG. 6 shows the panels engaging with the frame;

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a panel having a figurine;

FIG. 8 shows the adaptation of an element to form a car;

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a hexagonal shaped panel of a second embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows the bottom view of a hexagonal shaped panel shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 edge on view showing three sides of the hexagonal panel of a second embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a pentagonal panel of a second embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows the bottom view of a pentagonal panel shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows the edge of a pentagonal shaped panel of a second embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows the bottom view of a number of hexagonal panels and pentagon panels coming together; and

FIG. 16 shows a plan view of a pentagonal shaped panel being adapted to provide removal means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated by the attached figures, the device may be in the shape of a soccer ball. The device comprises a frame built from repeating engageable elements 1 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The elements 1 comprise a body section 2 which splits into two sections 3 at each end. At the end 4 of each split section 3 there is either an “H” shaped protrusion 5 or a complementary “H” shaped recess 6. The recess 6 is adapted in shape to snapfit into engagement with a protrusion 5 of another element 1. Each element 1 has two ends 4 having a protrusion 5 and two ends 4 having a recess 6. The two protrusions 5 and two recesses 6 are arranged in a trans configuration. The elements have a slight curvature such that thirty elements can be connected together by inserting the protrusion 5 of one element 1 into the recess 6 of an adjacent element 1 to form a frame 7 having a substantially ball shape (as shown in FIG. 3).

The upper side of the elements 1 have six substantially diamond shaped members 8, such that when the element 1 is used to construct the frame 7, the members 8 extend outwards from the center of the frame 7. The members 8 are arranged in two groups of three at each end of the body section 2 of the element 1.

Panels 9 and 13 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) have an upper surface 10 and a lower surface 11 and a lip 12 that extends about the perimeter of the panel 9 in a downward direction. The panels 9 and 13 are either in a substantially pentagonal shape 9, or are substantially hexagonal in shape 13. The panels 9 and 13 have a slight downward curvature.

The comers of the lip 12 of the panels 9 and 13 engage the members 8 of the elements 1 allowing the panels 9 and 13 to reversibly engage the frame 7 (as shown in FIG. 6). The frame accepts a total of twelve substantially pentagonal shaped panels 9 and twenty substantially hexagonal shaped panels 13. The completed device 14 has a shape representative of a soccer ball.

The panels 9 and 13 can include individual soccer player information. For example, the upper surface 10 of the panels 9 or 13 could include a picture depicting a soccer player, while the lower surface 11 could display game or personal statistics associated with that player. It will be appreciated that other types of information or combinations could be used. For example, a figurine 15, depicting the player, could be incorporated into the lower surface 11 of the panel 9 or 13 (as shown in FIG. 7). When the panel 9 or 13 is engaged with the frame 7, the figurine 15 is inserted into the gap formed between the elements 1 and projects toward the center of the ball 14. The figurine 15, may be permanently attached to the panel 9 and 13, or adapted to reversibly engage the panel 9 and 13.

It is envisaged that an individual will be able to purchase the elements 1 and panels 9 and 13 as a set to build a complete device 14. Alternatively, an individual could purchase the elements 1 and panels 9 and 13 separately, or as incomplete sets. Combinations of panels 9 and 13 and/or elements 1 could be given away as promotions, for example, in combination with the purchase of another item. Such other items could include, but are not restricted to, petrol, chewing and/or bubble gum, breakfast cereal, fast foods, or the like. This allows an individual to collect different panels 9 and 13 representing different players. An individual could then collect enough elements 1 and panels 9 and 13 to form a complete device 14 having panels 9 and 13 representing their favorite players, all the players of their favorite team, or a famous team, for example, a world cup winning team. The exact make up of the completed device 14 will depend on the individual.

The advantage of selling the panels 9 and 13 separately is that it encourages people to collect the panels. Furthermore, as the sporting players and statistics change, individuals can interchange panels to ensure that the device is up to date.

It is to be appreciated that the elements 1 and panels 9 and 13 may be adapted in size and shape to represent other sporting elements, for example a soccer ball, rugby union ball, rugby league ball, cricket ball, baseball, hockey ball, basketball, golf ball, netball or volley ball, American football ball, or the like. Although the elements 1 are disclosed in the present example as repeating elements, this is not essential. Non-identical elements could be used in order to achieve the different shapes envisaged by the present invention.

It is also to be appreciated that the frame 7 could be provided as a single element, and does not have to be constructed from interconnecting elements 1.

It is also to be appreciated that the device 14 does not have to be in the shape of a sports item. For example the device 14 could form the shape of a cannon ball with the panels depicting information related to pirates.

It is also to be appreciated that the information presented on the panels does not have to be associated with a famous individual and could be purely fictional. The device 14 could be sold as a complete set of elements 1 and panels 9 and 13, or as an incomplete set, purely as a child's toy. For example, the complete device could be in the shape of a cannon ball, with each of the panels 9 and 13 having a figurine 15 of a purely fictional pirate or similar character. Other themes are also envisaged including, but not limited to, knights, princesses or other children's heroes. The combination of these as children's toys may also include, planets, aliens, space stations or the like. Furthermore, if the device is to be sold as a toy, other features may be included. For example, the device could be adapted to float to form a child's bath toy.

The elements 1 may also be adapted in accordance with the theme. For example, the device 14 could be adapted to represent a motor sport theme (for example, the device could be adapted to represent a motor racing helmet), with the elements 1 being adapted to form the chassis of a motor car. This is achieved by adapting the elements 1 to allow wheels 16 to be attached to an engagement means 17 to the underside of the element 1 and a body of a car 18 to be attached to the upper side of the element 1 when the element 1 has been removed from the device 14 (as shown in FIG. 8). Alternatively, the wheels 16 could be adapted to individually engage with either the protrusions 5 or recesses 6 of the element 1. A small electric motor 19 could also be incorporated to drive the wheels. It is to be appreciated that the body of the car could be adapted to represent famous street or race cars, or adapted to represent purely fictional cars.

It is also envisaged that the theme and information presented on the device could be adapted such that it forms an educational tool for preschool children. Alternatively, the theme could be associated with a story. For example, the words of the story could be placed on one side of the panels 9 and 13, and a picture or figurine associated with the text included on the other side.

In another embodiment of the invention, a device can also be assembled without the use of a frame from a plurality of panels that are engageable with each other as shown in FIGS. 9 to 15.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively, hexagonal panels 32 have an upper surface 34 and a lower surface 35. The sides 21 of the panels provide projections 25 and recesses 26 as shown in FIG. 11. The size and shape of the protrusion 25 on a side 21 complement the shape and size of recess 26 thereby allowing two panels to engage each other. It is to be appreciated that a number of panels could be assembled together to create a desired shape.

Each hexagonal panel 32 also has a flange 23 and a dome protrusion 24 on sides 20, which in this embodiment is adapted to engage with a pentagonal panel 33 as illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14.

The pentagonal panels 33 have an upper surface 36 and a lower surface 37. The pentagonal panels 33 include recesses 27 along each side 38 to receive and engage the flange 23 and dome protrusion 24 on the sides 20 of the hexagonal panels 32.

As shown in FIG. 15, the hexagon panels 32 and pentagon panels 33 engage with the adjacent panels. The panels can have a slight curvature allowing a soccer ball to be formed.

At least one pentagon panel 38, shown in FIG. 16, can be provided with two recesses 30 and 31 on its upper surface 36, or any other suitable handle. The recesses allow the panel to be gripped and removed from the complete device, aiding its disassembly.

Wherein the foregoing description, reference has been made to features having known equivalents, those equivalents are hereby incorporate as if they have been specifically set forth.

Although the invention has been described by way of example, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, any snap-fit fastening means could be used to connect the elements 1 to each other, or to connect the panels 9 and 13 to the frame 7. Likewise, any snap fit fastening means could be used to allow the panels 32 and 33 to engage with each other.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A device comprising a frame and two or more interchangeable panels that can be assembled into a shape representative of a predetermined object associated with a sport, wherein at least one panel depicts selected information associated with the sport, and wherein the panels engage with the frame.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of interconnecting elements.
 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein three or more interchangeable panels engage directly with each other.
 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein each edge of said panel includes one or more protrusions or one or more recesses to engage with one or more complementary shaped recesses or projections on an adjacent panel.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the device is a ball or motorcar shape.
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the shape is selected from the group consisting of: soccer ball, rugby union ball, rugby league ball, baseball, basketball, cricket ball, golf ball, hockey ball, netball, volley ball, and American football.
 7. The device according to claim 5, wherein the shape is selected from the group consisting of: soccer ball and American football.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the information presented on at least one panel is selected from the group consisting of a photograph, statistical information, and a figurine.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one panel includes a figurine, the figurine being permanently or reversibly attached to the panel.
 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the information presented on at least one panel relates to one or more sporting personalities.
 11. A kit for assembling a device, wherein the device comprises a frame and two or more interchangeable panels that can be assembled into a shape representative of a predetermined object associated with a sport, wherein at least one panel depicts selected information associated with the sport, wherein the panels engage with the frame, and wherein the kit comprises a component selected from the group consisting of a frame, an element of a frame, and one or more panels.
 12. A kit for assembling the device of claim 2, wherein the kit comprises a component selected from the group consisting of a frame, an element of a frame, and one or more panels.
 13. A kit for assembling the device of claim 3, wherein the kit comprises a component selected from the group consisting of a frame, an element of a frame, and one or more panels.
 14. A kit for assembling the device of claim 4, wherein the kit comprises a component selected from the group consisting of a frame, an element of a frame, and one or more panels.
 15. A kit for assembling the device of claim 5, wherein the kit comprises a component selected from the group consisting of a frame, an element of a frame, and one or more panels.
 16. A component adapted to assemble a device, wherein the device comprises a frame and two or more interchangeable panels that can be assembled into a shape representative of a predetermined object associated with a sport, wherein at least one panel depicts selected information associated with the sport, wherein the panels engage with the frame, and wherein the component selected from the group consisting of a frame, an element of a frame, and one or more panels.
 17. A component adapted to assemble the device of claim 2, wherein the component is selected from the group consisting of a frame, an element of a frame, and one or more panels.
 18. A component adapted to assemble the device of claim 3, wherein the component is selected from the group consisting of a frame, an element of a frame, and one or more panels.
 19. A component adapted to assemble the device of claim 4, wherein the component is selected from the group consisting of a frame, an element of a frame, and one or more panels.
 20. A component adapted to assemble the device of claim 5, wherein the component is selected from the group consisting of a frame, an element of a frame, and one or more panels. 